Marriott pulls out of Russia

Hotel group Marriott International has announced it will be pulling out of the Russian market as sanctions have made it "impossible to continue to operate".

A statement from the group said: “We have come to the view that newly announced US, UK and EU restrictions will make it impossible for Marriott to continue to operate or franchise hotels in the Russian market. We have therefore made the decision to suspend all Marriott International operations in Russia. The process to suspend operations in a market where Marriott has operated for 25 years is complex.

“As we take steps to suspend hotel operations in Russia, we remain focused on taking care of our Russia-based associates. Since the war began, we have supported associates in Ukraine, Russia and across the region, including securing employment with Marriott outside of countries directly affected by the conflict. We have deployed $1m in internal disaster relief funds for associates and their families to assist with resettlement aid, including food vouchers, transportation assistance, medical and legal support.

“In addition, over 85 of our hotels are now providing lodging to refugees from Ukraine in neighbouring countries. We have provided over $2.7m [£2.2m] in hotel-level financial, fundraising, and in-kind support, including food and supply donations, to relief organisations operating on the ground. Marriott is focused on hiring refugees, with more than 250 already hired across more than 40 hotels in 15 European countries, with plans to continue. We will also match Marriott Bonvoy points donations to World Central Kitchen and UNICEF, up to 100 million points this year, with over 50 million points donated to date.

“We continue to join our associates and millions of people around the world in wishing for an end to the current violence and the start of a path towards peace.”

In March, the group closed its corporate office in Moscow and paused the opening of upcoming hotels and all future hotel development and investment in Russia. However, Ukrainian tourism associations called for the top hotel groups to stop doing business in Russia completely following the country’s invasion.

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